Embarrassment

Qibao said: "No problem, I have a lot of delicious food at home, you are welcome anytime."

At that moment, Boss Qian entered carrying a pot of soup, followed by two servers with trays. He said: "Lord Wen, your ordered dishes are ready."

Magistrate Wen asked: "Boss Qian has served us the food himself, why don't you sit down and have a drink together?"

Boss Qian smiled and replied: "You're too kind, Lord Wen. I'm quite busy right now, during our peak hours. But if we have a chance later, I'll treat you to a proper meal and drinks."

Magistrate Wen exclaimed: "There's no harm in it, it's not too late for the two of us to drink again when we have the chance."

Relieved to see everyone enjoying themselves, Boss Qian discreetly sighed and said: "Lord Wen, Uncle Xu, I'll be leaving first."

At the dinner table, the old man and Magistrate Wen's conversation flowed easily, as if they had known each other for years.

After three rounds of drinks and plenty of food, Wen Yuan noticed the darkness outside and said: "Father, it's getting late. Mom is probably still waiting for us to go back!"

Magistrate Wen looked out of the window and agreed: "You're right. I should be going now, old man. But I'll come back for more drinks when I have time." 

"Fine, fine." The old man said: "Eldest, fetch two jars of wine from the rear courtyard for our esteemed guest to take back."

Magistrate Wen continued thanking him profusely. Despite his slight intoxication, his mind remained clear—he had quite a high tolerance for alcohol.

The old man accompanied Magistrate Wen all the way to the entrance of Juxiang Pavilion, and only returned to the backyard after the three of them got on the carriage.

"Father, didn't you say it's best to keep the matter of this winery secret?" Big Uncle Xu asked: "Why did you tell Magistrate Wen the truth today?"

The old man smiled: "We didn't have the means to protect ourselves back then, so we had to keep a low profile. But now, with our current standing, we don't need to be so discreet. With the skills you've all acquired, even the Twelve Guards of Qibao wouldn't stand a chance against our family. You know, our eldest child! We can handle matters on our own!"

Uncle Xu was startled and said in a daze: "You're right, Father! It's all thanks to Qibao. We didn't realize how far our Xu family had come in just five short years. Thinking back, it feels like a dream."

Qibao said: "Uncle, our family will be better in the future than it is now. I want our Xu family's businesses to be spread across every town in the Dragon Soul Kingdom!"

The old man said: "You are worthy of being my granddaughter. Grandpa has been waiting for this day!"

Uncle Xu asked: "Just now, Magistrate Wen said that a man in black had approached him with a token and asked him to take more care of the Juxiang Pavilion, I wonder who it could be!"

The old man smacked Uncle Xu on the head: "How can I have such a slow son? The prefectural Magistrate meant this person is from the capital city. Who do you think it could be aside from Chenyu and Jingchen?"

Uncle Xu rubbed his forehead: "Father, you're saying it was one of them?"

The old man gave him a white-eyed stare: "Of course! It seems Chenyu's family status in the capital is even higher than I thought! They must have a powerful official position!"

Uncle Xu said: "That's true. Since Jingchen is Chenyu's cousin, his family must be important too. At least they're officials as well."

The old man said: "Whatever their status, we need to make ourselves strong too. It's not wise to always depend on others for protection, no matter how close we are, understand?"

Uncle Xu nodded.

Time flew by quickly. Over the next few days, Wen Die often visited Juxiang Pavilion to talk with Qibao. They grew familiar with each other in no time.

Qibao discovered that Wen Die, despite her gentle and refined appearance, was someone who would not easily yield.

At that moment, Qibao, Mrs. Zhang, and Wen Die were sitting in the rear courtyard of the Juxiang Pavilion, drinking tea and chatting.

As their conversation flowed, they naturally turned to the recent imperial examination.

Mrs. Zhang said: "I wonder how Wenwu is doing at the exam. I hope his body can hold up."

Wen Die reassured her: "Aunt, don't worry. If anyone gets sick during the exam and can't continue, the guards inside will help them out. I've heard some people have already been sent out for health reasons. Young Master Xu should be fine."

Her aunt let out a sigh of relief: "Thankfully, my Wenwu has studied martial arts. He's healthier than most people his age."

Wen Die was surprised: "Young Master Xu is truly outstanding. I didn't realize he had also studied martial arts."

Mrs. Zhang spoke with a hint of concern in her voice: "Yes, but it hasn't been easy. This boy has always been ambitious. Being the eldest grandson and son, he feels a lot of responsibility. He's always thinking about protecting his family. So, he often studies until midnight and gets up before dawn to practice martial arts. He's had to endure a lot of hardship."

Hearing Mrs. Zhang's words, Wen Die's face showed a clear expression of concern, though she didn't realize it herself.

Qibao, sitting to the side with a clear view of everything, saw this. Her eyes darted before she asked: "Sister Die'er, what do you think of my brother's appearance?"

Wen Die pondered for a moment and said: "I have only met Master Wen twice, but he is indeed a handsome man."

Qibao sighed: "Oh! My big brother is already fifteen this year, and marriage is just around the corner. I wonder what kind of sister-in-law he'll bring home."

Mrs. Zhang replied: "As long as he chooses someone with a good character, and your brother likes her, I wouldn't object. We'll just have to see what happens."

Wen Die squeezed the handkerchief she was holding and said: Master Xu is well-versed in both literature and martial arts. He's modest and exceptionally handsome too. I'm sure many girls will fall for him in the future."

Qibao grinned: "So, Sister Die'er, are you one of those girls?"

Blushing, Wen Die almost wanted to get up and run away.

Yuan'er, the girl behind her, stifled a laugh and said: "Miss Xu, you shouldn't tease our young lady. She's shy and unlikely to have feelings for Young Master Xu."

Wen Die stamped her feet, flustered: "You impetuous girl! I'm going to teach you a lesson. Who said I..." She caught herself mid-sentence, wishing for a crack in the ground to swallow her up.

Mrs. Zhang, on the other hand, chuckled. She rather liked Wen Die's character. The girl was pretty, well-mannered, and the daughter of the Magistrate, to boot. If she could become her daughter-in-law, that would be just fine with her.

Qibao's face was full of teasing: Sister Die'er what are you blushing for? Did I say something wrong?"

Wen Die couldn't bear it anymore. She rose and bowed to Mrs. Zhang, then fled the room in haste, with Yuan'er running after her with a grin.

Mrs. Zhang's smile softened as she gently poked Qibao's forehead: "You sassy girl! Keep your mouth shut! You've made her blush her way right out of the room."

Qibao smiled sweetly: "What's the big deal! If she really becomes my sister-in-law, that's not bad. Auntie doesn't know what kind of woman my brother will marry in the future. I think Sister Die'er and my brother are a good match. They both like reading, and they will have common topics in the future. But it depends on my brother himself. If he doesn't like it, we can't force him."

"Ah yes, it's all up to fate." Mrs. Zhang said: "My liking for him doesn't matter. Whatever happens, happens!"

Qibao had never been in a relationship before and didn't really understand what it felt like to be in love. In this era, although women weren't treated as poorly as in some other times, they could still get married at fifteen once they reached adulthood. If they weren't wed by eighteen, people would start gossiping behind their backs.

Wen Die returned home, her face still tinged with a faint blush of embarrassment.

Yuan'er, noticing her mistress's flushed cheeks, suggested: "Miss, why don't you sit down? I'll get you a glass of water."

"Miss, have you truly fallen for Master Xu? If you have, you must fight for him. He seems like a good match indeed. And, I heard from Bi Xia, one of the Madam's maids, that the Madam and others are secretly considering potential suitors for you!"